This FAQ explains what to check if the Advanced Search form gives an error on mobile when dates are typed manually or when a separate mobile-only search widget is added on the same page.
Why This Can Happen
The Advanced Search form uses datepicker fields for check-in and check-out dates.
An error can happen when:
- The same page has two separate Advanced Search widgets, one for desktop and one for mobile.
- The second/mobile-only widget does not initialize the calendar picker correctly.
- The visitor types the date manually instead of selecting it from the calendar.
- The typed date does not match the date format selected in WPRentals options.
- Cache or optimization plugins delay or combine the JavaScript files needed by the calendar.
This is not always a normal WordPress critical error. In some cases, the page can show an error only during that test, then load again after going back or refreshing the page.
Do Not Use Two Advanced Search Widgets on the Same Page
Do not add two separate Advanced Search widgets on the same page only to show one on desktop and one on mobile.
For example, avoid this setup:
- One Advanced Search widget visible only on desktop.
- A second Advanced Search widget visible only on mobile.
This can cause problems with the calendar fields because only the first instance may load the datepicker correctly.
Use one Advanced Search form on the page, then adjust the responsive layout from Elementor or CSS.
Use the Calendar Picker for Date Fields
For check-in and check-out fields, visitors should select the dates from the calendar picker.
Do not type dates manually in the date fields.
For example, typing dates such as:
08/12/2026may not match the expected date format and may not be processed correctly.
The supported date format is the one returned by the WPRentals calendar picker.
Check the Date Format Setting
The date format used by WPRentals datepickers is managed from:
WPRentals Options > Booking Configuration > Calendar Settings
Find the option:
Select Date Format for Datepickers
Choose the format that should be used on the website.
Available formats can include examples such as:
- yy-mm-dd
- yy-dd-mm
- dd-mm-yy
- mm-dd-yy
- dd-yy-mm
- mm-yy-dd
After changing the date format, clear cache and test the form again.
How to Build the Search Form for Desktop and Mobile
Use one search form and make it responsive.
Recommended setup:
- Add one Advanced Search form or one Search Form Builder widget on the page.
- Configure the fields only once.
- Use Elementor responsive settings or custom CSS to adjust spacing, width, columns, and visibility on mobile.
- Do not duplicate the full search widget for mobile only.
- Test the same form on desktop, tablet, and mobile.
If the client wants the mobile search form open by default, use the theme mobile search settings or adjust the same form layout. Do not create a second hidden search form for mobile only.
What to Check If the Error Continues
If the issue continues after removing the duplicated mobile-only widget, check the following:
- Make sure WPRentals and the included theme plugins are updated.
- Make sure only one Advanced Search widget is used on the page.
- Check that check-in and check-out fields use date fields, not text fields.
- Use the calendar picker to select dates.
- Check the selected date format in Booking Configuration.
- Clear cache from the cache plugin, server, CDN, and browser.
- Temporarily disable JavaScript optimization, delay, or combine settings from cache/performance plugins and test again.
- Test with the default theme search form before testing a custom Elementor layout.
If the error happens only on one device or browser, test again after clearing browser cache and using the calendar picker instead of typing the date manually.
Related Help
Theme Options – General – Booking Configuration
Theme Options – Advanced Search Form Fields
Theme Options – Advanced Search Settings
WPRentals Search Form Builder for Elementor